How To Enjoy A Heart Healthy Holiday

Posted on 12/11/2015 00:03

When we think about winter health issues, we tend to immediately think of cold and flu season. But these seasonal bugs aren’t the only health issue to watch out for! In addition to putting our immune systems to the test, the winter months can potentially put extra strain on our hearts. This is particularly true for individuals already living with heart issues.

The winter months tend to put additional strain and stress on the human body, particularly the heart. Blood vessels naturally constrict in the cold, potentially raising our blood pressure and even contributing to a higher risk of clotting. In addition to this, many activities we knowingly - or unknowingly - participate in during the winter make our bodies work harder than they do during the rest of the year. Examples of these types of activities include maintaining a steady temperature in the cold weather, working harder to walk through snowdrifts, and keeping our balance on icy surfaces.

The good news is that there are things we can do to protect our hearts and to prepare for any potential problems during the winter months. It’s particularly important to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible during this time of year. This includes:

Avoiding overindulgence. The holidays are a great time to enjoy high amounts of fatty, salty foods - exactly the kinds of foods our hearts don’t need. Rather than overeating throughout the winter, we recommend enjoying a splurge in moderation, and working to stick to a normal healthy diet as much as possible.

Exercising regularly.Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease. It’s also something we tend to skip during the busy holidays or winter months. Scheduling time to exercise and ensuring that you don’t miss it is very important (especially with all of the holiday diet splurges we tend to enjoy!).

Limiting the number of alcoholic drinks you enjoy. Alcohol has been tied to a risk of heart disease. In moderation, alcoholic beverages do not pose very much of a risk. In the winter, however, we run the risk of overindulging - and combined with the cold weather, a bad holiday diet or a lack of exercise, this can push some people’s hearts over the edge.

Unfortunately, prevention efforts are not always 100% effective, particularly during the rough winter months. Because of this, healthy individuals and people with diagnosed heart problems alike should know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, as well as signs and symptoms of stroke. Additionally, do not be afraid to call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms. Remember, fast treatment is the key to recovery and survival after a heart attack or stroke – and when it comes to heart issues, it’s better to be safe than sorry!